STEAM and Environment Summer Camp | SBF50021GR3004

Opportunity Information: Apply for SBF50021GR3004

The STEAM and Environment Summer Camp grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number SBF50021GR3004, Assistance Listing 19.040) was issued by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy Nassau and the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. It offered a total of $10,000 in grant funding, with an expected single award, to support a summer 2021 program in The Bahamas aimed at underserved, at-risk youth. Applications were due August 31, 2021. Eligible applicants were nonprofit organizations, including those with or without U.S. IRS 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education).

At its core, the opportunity sought proposals for a structured summer camp that blends Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) with environmental education and climate action. The Embassy framed the program within broader U.S. public diplomacy and international priorities around environmental conservation and sustainability, including efforts to conserve and restore forests, promote sustainable agriculture and fisheries, stop illegal exploitation of natural resources, combat wildlife trafficking, and reduce marine plastic pollution. Alongside those environmental goals, the grant emphasized building youth capacity in science and technology, supporting innovation, and developing practical workforce-relevant skills.

The selected grantee was expected to design both the curriculum and the full execution plan for a camp serving at-risk Bahamian youth ages 10 to 18. The program focus was explicitly solution-oriented: participants should learn and apply STEAM and entrepreneurship concepts to develop ideas that address climate change challenges in their own communities. The notice laid out four main goals: supporting positive youth development through STEAM exposure tied to conservation and sustainability; inspiring interest and practical skill-building for environmental and STEAM-related careers; motivating participants to create local, community-level responses to climate change; and promoting environmental and STEAM entrepreneurship among Bahamian youth.

Program design requirements were practical and specific. Camp activities needed to take place during summer 2021 and comply with COVID-19 safety protocols. The grant budget was intended to cover core programmatic costs such as participant stipends, equipment, instructional materials, and food. While cost sharing or matching funds were not required, partnerships with other organizations were encouraged and would earn additional points during proposal review, especially if partners strengthened delivery or expanded impact.

A key deliverable expected from the camp was a culminating group community service project involving all participants. This final project needed to center on environmental conservation or sustainability and demonstrate how STEAM skills can be used to combat climate change in concrete, visible ways. Overall, the Embassy’s intended outcome was that participating youth would leave with a stronger appreciation of the environment, a clearer understanding of their role in addressing climate change, and increased awareness of education and career pathways in STEAM fields, including the possibility of launching or pursuing entrepreneurial solutions tied to environmental needs.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to the Bahamas in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "STEAM and Environment Summer Camp" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Aug 30, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 31, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $10,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

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